Am I an Introvert?

We all sometimes feel the desire to withdraw from the world around us and get away from everyone to ease the pressures we are experiencing. This behavior is considered normal, as we all need time alone now and then to reflect on important events from the past and plan for the future. For some people, however, the desire for isolation and withdrawal may become so intense that it drives them to constantly avoid facing others and affects every aspect of their lives.

Who is an introvert, and what causes introversion?

Psychiatrist Carl Jung developed the concept of introversion in the early twentieth century. He described an introvert as someone who prefers less stimulating environments and tends to spend time alone, keep away from people, and withdraw from various social activities.

In general, an introvert is not afraid of others, does not hate them, and is not necessarily shy around them. Rather, they feel happier and more comfortable alone in quiet environments than they do participating socially. Some studies suggest that this relates to dopamine levels. Our brains respond to seeing and interacting with people by producing large amounts of dopamine, the substance responsible for giving us feelings of pleasure and happiness. An introvert's brain, however, produces less dopamine when interacting with others. A study (Hobgood.2020) also linked introversion to several biological factors.

What are the types of introversion?

You may think that introversion is simply mild shyness that makes someone prefer to stay away from others and avoid social occasions. In fact, introversion is not limited to this. It has different types, each with characteristics that distinguish it from the others. These types are:

• Social introversion:People with this type of introversion prefer being alone or with a small group of people rather than with large groups.
• Thinking introversion:People with this type of introversion tend to spend a great deal of time reflecting by themselves.
• Anxious introversion:People with this type feel anxious, tense, or unsettled when participating in different social occasions.
• Restrained introversion:Here, a person tends to be more reserved, yet they are fun-loving and affectionate. Others usually find them difficult to read.

What are the negative effects of introversion on a person's health?

Although spending time alone now and then gives us an opportunity to calm down and think more clearly, excessive introversion has significant negative effects on mental and physical health. A study (Ning.2018) found that introversion increases the risk of death and is considered a predisposing factor for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Introversion also makes it harder for a person to overcome disability after various injuries or traumas and prolongs recovery from most illnesses.

Does introversion have benefits and positive aspects?

Introversion has many benefits and advantages that can be summarized as follows:

• An introvert is characterized by intelligence, shrewdness, and concentration.
• They have more time to complete tasks because they focus on themselves.
• They respect other people's privacy and do not interfere in their lives.
• They do not have many relationships, but their relationships are strong and lasting.
• They work independently, which allows for better performance and productivity.

What signs suggest that you are an introvert?

Introverts can be difficult to identify because, in most cases, they appear completely ordinary. However, some signs may be noticeable, including the following:

• Large gatherings quickly drain your energy, and after a while you find that you need to retreat to a quiet place where you can enjoy some time alone.
• You enjoy solitude. For example, if you enjoy spending an afternoon quietly by yourself, this may indicate that you are an introvert.
• You have a very small group of close friends. Rather than maintaining a large social circle, an introvert prefers to hold on to a few deep, long-term relationships.
• People find it difficult to get to know you or become close to you. If you are quiet and reserved, prefer to choose your words carefully, and avoid wasting time or energy on unnecessary conversations, these may all suggest that you are somewhat introverted.
• You tend to choose careers that rely on individual effort rather than teamwork. This reflects your desire to avoid communicating, planning, and coordinating with others and to depend only on yourself.
• You have a strong awareness of your inner self. Introverts often spend more time by themselves, which allows them to develop sound knowledge and insight into themselves, their motivations, and their feelings.

What are the most important tips for overcoming isolation and introversion?

Overcoming isolation and introversion can help you make greater progress and achieve success in different areas of life. This is because human beings are social by nature and cannot remain alone. The following are the most important tips that may help you overcome isolation and introversion:

Step outside your comfort zone:

One of the most important steps needed to overcome introversion is to step outside your comfort zone. This means putting yourself in more challenging situations, being prepared to take more risks, and doing some of the things that once seemed impossible to you.

Do not spend too much time alone; surround yourself with positive people:

To overcome introversion, you should spend less time alone and be around positive people most of the time. Spending time with other people has many benefits, such as providing more opportunities, helping you build more social relationships, and enhancing happiness and mental and physical well-being.

Identify your introverted characteristics and work to change them:

Once you can identify your negative introverted traits, you can begin working to change them and disregard the tension in your thoughts. It is also important to ignore the small negative thoughts in your mind that keep you from moving forward and overcoming introversion. Work on countering negative thoughts with positive ones; this will help you gradually build confidence and courage.

What are the benefits of overcoming isolation and introversion?

You can gain many benefits when you overcome the isolation and introversion you have been experiencing. The most important include:

• Being able to build more social relationships.
• Being able to lead a team of people without feeling tense or anxious.
• Communicating with people becomes easier and clearer.
• Feeling more comfortable in social settings.
• Sharing your thoughts and feelings with people more easily.
• Easily obtaining the social support you need.

If you cannot overcome your isolation through the recommendations and advice above, and it affects different aspects of your life, you can contact your therapist through the Tatmeen app for help identifying the cause of the problem and overcoming it.

Download the Tatmeen app for online psychological and family counseling from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also register on the Tatmeen mental health website to access valuable information and practical tools for supporting your mental health.

Studies: 

Donna K.Hobgood ABO B gene is associated with introversion personality tendancies through linkage with dopamine beta hydroxylase gene, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga College of Medicine, 1751 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States, 2020.

Ning Xia , Huige Li, Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Cardiovascular Health, Department of Pharmacology, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center , Mainz, Germany, 2018 Mar 20;28(9):837-851.